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Algerian Hostage Raid Over —Casualties Still Unclear

Government confirms some hostages are dead

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2013 3:39 PM CST

(Newser) – Algeria says its mission to free about 40 foreign hostages—including Americans—is now over, but there's still no clear information about how many of the captives survived, reports AP. The Algerian government confirms that some hostages were killed in the raid on a gas facility in the desert, though an earlier report of 35 hostages dead has not been confirmed.

“The operation resulted in the neutralization of a large number of terrorists and the liberation of a considerable number of hostages,” said a government spokesman on national radio. “Unfortunately, we deplore also the death of some, as well as some who were wounded. We do not have final numbers.” Reuters is offering updates here.

This undated image the Amenas natural gas field in Algeria, where the hostages were taken.
This undated image the Amenas natural gas field in Algeria, where the hostages were taken.   (AP Photo/BP)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
RAD45
Jan 17, 2013 7:31 PM CST
Sounds like another Benghazi Story... no details so everybody speculates and invents details.  We know one Irish hostage has phoned home, so let's wait for the details.  Good on, for Algeria for taking the initiative and not messing around with al-Qaeda whackos!  Sounds like we need to help France zero in on the doings in the Libyan Desert and how that's affecting Mali and the former French West Africa.  No boots on the ground, just high-res satellite stuff, some drones and a Hellfire or 20!
Chatsworth
Jan 17, 2013 5:28 PM CST
Chances are the raid was the hostages' only chance at freedom.Otherwise they'd have probably ended up on a video getting their heads cut off like Daniel Pearl.
1freeusa
Jan 17, 2013 4:18 PM CST
when ever they start evading the questions, they are consulting damage control for the best spin on a bad result.     Those who went, were informed of the dangers and chose to go anyway...still a useless waste of life in the name of religion or politics or greed or something.   keep going green...solar, geothermal, wind, etc.
 

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